Competitors and Sponsors Make 15th Smith & Wesson IDPA Indoor Nationals Major Success

BERRYVILLE, Ark. – Over the last 14 years Smith & Wesson’s Indoor Nationals has been growing into one of the International Defensive Pistol Association‘s finest matches, and the official start to the IDPA competition season.

This past February 23-25, over 300 of IDPA’s top shooters gathered once again in Springfield, Mass. at the Smith & Wesson Shooting Sports Center to compete.

“Nothing gets the shooting season underway in IDPA like the Smith & Wesson match,” explained Joyce Wilson, IDPA’s executive director. “IDPA is a very social sport and a lot of that has to do with the tone set at Smith & Wesson where nightly hospitality suites and an elaborate awards banquet turn a competition into an event.”

During the awards banquet Wilson recognized a number of shooters for their outstanding performances: Glenn Shelby (CDP Champion), Dan Burwell (ESP Champion), Robert Vogel (SSP Champion and High Law Enforcement), Jerry Miculek (ESR Champion), Joe Linskey (SSR Champion), James Martino (High Senior), Randi Rogers (High Lady), Scotty McGregor (High Press), David Olhasso (High Industry), Juan Carlos Gonzalez Valdez (High International), Tori Nonaka (High Junior), Rob Tate (High Military), Ray Duroy (Most Distinguished Senior) and Dean Brevit (Most Accurate).

Wilson also noted that Smith & Wesson has long been a strong supporter and proponent of IDPA as a whole, dating back to its earliest days when the organization was first formed. Through years of tireless work and generous corporate donations, Smith & Wesson not only established its match as one of IDPA’s most important events, but has also helped grow the sport.

“Although Smith & Wesson hosted the championship, which bears its name, the company also reached out to others in the industry, inviting them in as sponsors. We’re grateful to Smith & Wesson and all the generous sponsors who came together to help us kickoff 2012,” said Wilson.

The list of sponsors for this year’s championship match reads like a veritable who’s who of the firearms industry. Sponsors include Blade-Tech, Brownells, Burwell Gunsmithing, Cheaper Than Dirt, Colt, Comp-Tac.com, Cor Bon, EOTech, Ergo Grip, FMG Publications, Fobus Holsters, Glock, GT Target Stands, Guns and Gear LLC, Harris Publications/Tactical-Life.com, Heckler and Koch, Hogue Grips, International Cartridge Corporation, I-Shot, Leapers, Inc., Leupold, Liquid Eyewear, Michigan Ammo Company, Mossberg, National Shooting Sports Foundation, Nighthawk Custom, Panteao Productions, Predator Tactical, Pro Ears, RangeLog, Remington, Rudy Project, Ruger, Safariland, Samson, Schuemann Barrels, Sig Sauer, Sig Sauer Academy, Smith & Wesson, Speed Shooter Specialties, Springfield Armory, Storm Lake Barrels, Swab Its, Tactical Defense Solutions, Target Barn, Taurus, Thompson Center, Tijicon, United States Coast Guard Academy, Walther, Wilson Combat and XS Sight Systems.

Thanks in part to the incredible industry support, interest in IDPA is at an all-time high with a record 1,600 new members joining in the first two months of 2012 alone. With the continuing surge in concealed carry permits, and self defense related purchases, it’s easy to see why IDPA is the fastest growing shooting sport in the nation today.

“Our incredible growth over the last few years mirrors the rapid growth in CCW permits, as well as the growth in sales of concealable handguns and related accessories. In IDPA new consumers purchasing firearms for personal protection are finding a home where in competition they can develop and practice their skills,” observed Wilson.

To find a match in your area, visit IDPA’s online directory of upcoming major matches which includes information on the Carolina Cup June 14-16 and the IDPA National Championship September 19-22, both being held in Oxford, N.C.

With nearly 20,000 members and growing, Wilson predicts 2012 will be a big year for IDPA. To learn more, or to join, visit www.IDPA.com, follow @OfficialIDPA on Twitter or like ShootIDPA on Facebook.